Philosophia to Philomythus and Misomythus by pandemonium_213

Chapter 2: Philosophia to Philomythus and Misomythus by pandemonium_213

J.R.R. Tolkien (“Philomythus” - Lover of Myth) wrote Mythopoeia in response to fellow Inkling, C.S. Lewis (“Misomythus” - Hater of Myth) who said that myths were “lies...breathed through silver.” Tolkien displayed his poetic mastery in Mythopoeia. Even though I take issue with some of his views, I cannot deny the verses are lovely nor do I disagree that myth and art are vital to the culture and thought of mankind. My counterpoint, such as it is, is offered here.

You say I look upon the trees and think only oak or beech,
That past their phyla and their forms, my mind will never reach.
You say I gaze upon the stars and reduce their heat to cold
Courses mathematical with no grandeur to behold.

Your lovely verse and lilting rhyme do not properly attest
To the hawk's flight of the dream that lifts the scientist
Who touches trees and sees beneath grey bark and spring-green leaf
The wondrous art within the cells as beautiful as Sheave.

Inane you call equations, view such regiment askance –
The maths that paint what fuels the sun or destroy with Shiva's dance.
But there is beauty in those numbers, just as elf-patterned and fair
As the myth that drives the Moon upon his chariot of air.

Philomythus, Misomythus - there is no black and white.
For cunning to be wrought, steel minds must soar in mythic flight:
To craft together beauty from all those barren facts;
To re-forge the Iron Crown into shining Artefacts.

Chapter End Notes

Philosophia = Lover of Knowledge

Tolkien’s writings on King Sheave may be found in “The Notion Club Papers,” The History of Middle-earth, Vol. IX, Sauron Defeated.